Frequent urination can be frustrating and embarrassing, but there are steps that can be taken to minimize its effect. Exercising pelvic muscles, behavioral therapy, dietary changes, supplements and herbal remedies can all help to reduce the urgency associated with frequent urination. Sufferers should not, however, substitute these measures for medical care, because frequent or urgent urination might be a symptom of a potentially serious underlying condition.

The increased urge to urinate can have many causes, with some of them more serous than others. Medication side effects or pregnancy might be responsible. Caffeine, tobacco and artificial sweeteners might also increase the need to urinate and, of course, taking in excessive fluids will cause frequent urination.

Frequent urination might also be a symptom of a condition requiring medical attention. Urinary tract infections, enlarged prostate, diabetes and some forms of cancer might all cause an increased urge to urinate. Each of these require some degree of medical intervention to treat, and sufferers are urged to begin with a visit to the doctor.

After other conditions have been either ruled out or treated, the patient can take steps to reduce the urgency and frequency of urination. Pelvic exercises such as Kegel exercises help to strengthen the muscles responsible for controlling the bladder. These exercises need to be done regularly to achieve any benefit.

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Bladder retraining relies on behavioral therapy principles to teach the bladder to wait longer before urination is required. The patient deliberately delays urination, holding it a little longer than normal. Over a typical course of 12 weeks, the bladder becomes stronger and requires emptying less frequently.

Some foods and food additives have a diuretic effect and create an increased need for urination. Caffeine, alcohol, chocolate and artificial sweeteners will all encourage frequent urination. Carbonated drinks, spicy foods and tomato-based foods might have a similar effect as well. Fiber will help to reduce the chance of constipation, which can put pressure on the bladder.

Water is essential for good health, but excessive intake can put a strain on the bladder. Rather than simply drinking less, sufferers of frequent urination are encouraged to monitor intake to see whether this is the source of the problem. Changes in patterns and avoiding drinks in the evening can help patients who frequently are awakened because of the need to urinate.

Herbal remedies such as cornus and dodder have been taken for kidney complaints such as frequent urination. Valerian is also popular to specifically treat urinary tract infections. Advocates claim that these supplements are effective, often citing personal experience, but these substances have not been proved to have any health benefit.

Discuss this Article

I'm 48 years old. Starting in April-May of 2012, I began to wake up frequently at night to use the bathroom. The number of times I woke up gradually increased to about two to five times a night.

I'm usually very skeptical of the claims of supplement makers. I take a multivitamin and cinnamon to reduce my blood sugar and niacin to reduce my triglycerides. (Both were recommended by my doctor). After doing much research online, I suspected that my problem was due to Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)--a common condition of men 50-plus yreas old. During a doctor's office visit, I asked him about taking a supplement. He was positive about trying a supplement to relieve my waking

up at night to go to the bathroom.

I researched several different brands and decided to try the Dr Max Powers Prostate Supplement. Within a week and a half of starting the supplements, I was only waking once or not at all at night. I've been taking the supplements for about four months now and recommend them.

The capacity of the bladder can be doubled by simply avoiding urination whenever it is possible (and not too uncomfortable). Urination occurs half as often when the bladder capacity is doubled.

MrsWinslowPost 1

It is *not* for everyone, but one way to prevent frequent urination symptoms can be to cut down on how much liquid you drink.

This has to be done with great caution, because obviously people do need a lot of fluid to stay alive. But try asking your doctor how much you need. Remember that all liquids - yes, even those that contain alcohol and caffeine - "count" toward your total.

Than add up how much you're drinking in a day. You might be surprised - it might be a lot more than you need! You might try pouring yourself smaller glasses and/or drinking only until your thirst is quenched rather than trying to force down more.

Again, consult your doctor - you don't want to get dehydrated. But drinking less fluid, *if* it is appropriate for you, can make a big difference in urinary symptoms!

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